Dubbed “The Groundbreaking,” on March 22, MCC Theater will officially kick off plans to build its new permanent home, which is set to open in 2018. Located in Manhattan’s Clinton neighborhood, the new 27,000-square-foot facility will act as a hub for artists, professional productions and the company’s diverse roster of programs.

The new space, designed by Andrew Berman Architects, is set to include two state-of-the-art theatres (249 and 99 seats) and spaces for rehearsals, workshops and public conversations. A public lobby on 52nd Street will connect to both the new space’s interior and an outside courtyard area. The facility will also be the home for MCC’s playwright development and arts education initiatives, such as PlayLabs, reading series and public school programs.

“We are proud of what we’ve built, but we’ve been missing a home of our own in which this community can grow together and learn from one another—all under the same roof,” said Robert LuPone, MCC’s co-artistic director, in a press statement. “We are so thrilled to break ground on a home that will help us do just this, and we look forward to welcoming our artists and audiences here in the years to come.”

Rendering of ground floor lobby
Andrew Berman Architect

With the opening of the new space, MCC is set to increase its productions from four to six per season, support a greater number of young playwrights and expand its arts education initiatives. The $35 million project is funded by a public-private partnership between MCC and the City of New York. The campaign has raised $29.9 million to-date.

Located on West 52nd Street at 10th Avenue, the facility will occupy the ground floor of the Avalon Clinton complex.